A student prepares a solution containing equimolar amounts of ammonium chloride ( )…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Acids and bases · Acids and bases
Problem
A student prepares a solution containing equimolar amounts of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and sodium acetate (NaCH3COO). Two separate proton-transfer equilibria occur:
1. NH4++H2O⇌NH3+H3O+
2. CH3COO−+H2O⇌CH3COOH+OH−
Which pair correctly describes the role of water in each equilibrium?
(a) Equilibrium 1: water is the acid; Equilibrium 2: water is the base.
(b) Equilibrium 1: water is the base; Equilibrium 2: water is the base.
(c) Equilibrium 1: water is the base; Equilibrium 2: water is the acid.
(d) Equilibrium 1: water is both acid and base; Equilibrium 2: water is both acid and base.